Rationing in Obamacare

In addition to the pro-abortion elements of the Reid/Senate version of Obamacare, there are significant rationing provisions in the manager’s amendment revealed by Reid. It contains provisions that place significant limits on Americans’ right to spend their own money to obtain desired lifesaving treatment.  This is accomplished by establishment of the “Independent Payment Advisory Board” which is directed to make recommendations to “slow the growth” in private health expenditures.

A new section empowers the Secretary of Health and Human Services to impose “efficiency measures” as well as “quality measures.”  Much of the professional literature advocates the use of “quality of life” standards that devalue the lives of older people and people with disabilities using such “quality” and “efficiency” measures.  In the Reid amendment, the quality and efficiency measures are not subject to critically important anti-discrimination protections found elsewhere in the bill.

The severe cuts in Medicare are destined to impact those under the Medicare program negatively.

This analysis is provided by the National Right to Life Committee.

Barbara Lyons